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A Letter from the Rector
This month we celebrate the King’s Coronation. Across our benefice there are various activities taking place. It will be good to celebrate something that only happens once in a blue moon. Something that raises the spirit of the nation with the excitement, the pomp, and the ceremony. It draws attention from across the world. It brings our little country respect and admiration for many nations can only dream of a spectacle such as the Brits can achieve.
Sadly, many are simply not interested and others anti the monarchy. It is easy, I suggest, to see how our late Queen set an example of values and freedom that was admired across the world. Our constitution has been developed and has evolved over many years. It prevents democracy being totally eroded. The reason this is important to Christians in our country is that we already see the persecution of Christians in other parts of the world. Where freedoms are eroded the truth can be stifled. Some may say that this is political, and the church should keep out of politics. Our beliefs, our values, and our passions, are our politics.
It is through the values of Christianity and all it represents that we have the freedom many take for granted. We might hear things we do not like. But this gives us the same freedom to challenge those views and assert our own. For the views we share, that may not be popular with some, underpin the very nature of a free society. As I have repeatedly stated, so much of our social development came through Christian endeavour. It could be argued that we have learnt the lessons and so the church is now irrelevant. I strongly disagree, for in recent times when public finances came under pressure key services were not only cut but some stopped and the poorest suffered the most. In response we saw the church step up again. Across the nation churches responded in so many creative and imaginative ways.
Can we leave it to those who put themselves and their money above the needs of others, or should we continue to promote the ways of Jesus? A way that values everyone and teaches and equips those who can to help those in need. I know what kind of society I prefer, and I for one will not be silent about it.
Rev Barry
Diary: St Peter and St Paul, Saltwood
Our regular pattern of worship includes a service every Sunday at 10am. Usually this is Holy Communion (to which all are welcome, whether or not you choose to receive communion) with a Family Service on the fourth Sunday of each month. However, please note the changes for this month, listed below. Other services of Holy Communion are shown on the website calendar, along with all services and events for the month.
Sunday Club, for children aged 3 – 10 is held at 10am in the Lads’ Club, on the fist and third Sundays in term time.
Some highlights for your diary include:
| Wednesday 3rd | 10.00 – 11.30 | Saltwood Toddlers in the Lads’ Club |
| 14.30 | Afternoon Prayer Group meets at 34 Harpswood Lane | |
| 19.00 | ALPHA in the Lads’ Club – and each following Wednesday | |
| Sunday 7th | 15.00 | Coronation Tea in the Lads’ Club |
| Monday 15th | 14.00 | Monday Chats in the Lads’ Club (and on the 22nd, but not on the remaining Mondays which are Bank Holidays) |
| Wednesday 17th | 14.00 | Cinema Club in the Lads’ Club |
| Saturday 20th | am | Coffee Morning in the Lads’ Club for Christian Aid |
| 15.45 | MESSY CHURCH in the Lads’ Club |
Items for the June Magazine
If you have any items for next edition of the magazine, please forward to Beth Lewsey, by 24th May by email if possible,
to: parishmagazine@saltwoodchurch.org
or deliver to 20 Castle Avenue. (Tel 01303 264577)
Useful Contacts
Rector – Rev Barry Knott: Telephone: 01303 883243 email: rev.barry@icloud.com
Church website: www.saltwoodchurch.org
Community Support Hub: 01303 269602
Parish Pastoral Support: 0300 030 1330
Children & Families Ministry (including weddings and baptisms) – Christine Clover:
Telephone: 0300 030 1662 email: christineclover@lympneandsaltwoodchurches.uk
Lads’ Club Bookings: Jan Heard 01303 266945 email: jan.entendu@gm
Parish Magazine: Beth Lewsey 01303 264577 email: parishmagazine@saltwoodchurch.org
From the Parish Records
Congratulations to:
Jamie Ryan and Gilbert Weller who were married on 22nd April
Linda Miller and John Wroe who were married on 25th April
Our love and sympathy go to the family and friends of:
Elizabeth (Beth) Evans-Smith, whose funeral was on 11th April
Julie Calderini, whose funeral was on 15th April
Paul Champion, whose funeral was on 24th April
Stuart Bilsland, whose funeral was on 26th April
Jane Stewart, whose funeral was on 27th April
Intercessions for May
Today we pray especially for:
1 Those who live in Turnpike Hill, Britten Close and Spanton Crescent
2 Our welcomers and those who provide refreshments after our services
3 St Mary the Virgin Elham
4 Those who represent us – in parish, district and county councils
5 Those who maintain our community
6 Those who live in Rectory Lane and Victoria Place
7 Sunday Club
8 Those who minister in our residential homes
9 Our local GPs
10 Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury
11 Those who live in Old London Road, Redbrooks Way, Summer Close and Sunny Bank
12 Those unable to attend church, thinking particularly of those known to you
13 The homeless, thinking particularly of those known to you
14 Brockhill Park Performing Arts College – staff and pupils
15 St Martin’s Cheriton, All Soul’s Cheriton and St Nicholas Newington
16 Those who live in Grange Road and School Road
17 Church Army
18 Those who seek Christ
19 For our Parish bell ringers (St Dunstan, Patron Saint of Bell Ringers is celebrated today)
20 Residential and nursing homes – their staff and residents
21 Those who live in Castle Avenue, Lookers Lane and Quarry Road
22 Those who represent us in Parliament
23 Those who help lead our worship
24 Those parts of the world suffering from natural disasters and all those seeking to relieve the suffering these cause
25 St Leonard’s Hythe, St Michael’s Anglican and Methodist Centre and Holy Cross Palmarsh
26 Those who live in Brockhill Road and Seaton Avenue
27 The armed forces and their families
28 The Folkestone Rainbow Centre
29 Those coping with debt and unemployment, thinking particularly of those known to you
30 Our area Deans
31 Those who live in Blue House Lane, Sandy Lane and the A20, Saltwood
In this month of the Coronation, a Prayer for the King – and for ourselves
Sovereign God
who called King Charles
to be a ruler among his people:
give him grace to be their servant:
and help us, following our Saviour Christ
in the path of humble service,
to see God’s kingdom set forward on earth
and to enjoy its fullness in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Prayer Meetings
Sundays at 9 40 am in Saltwood Church
Fridays at 9 30 am in Saltwood Church Please note the following for May:
Prayer Groups are a bit topsy turvy while our Alpha Course is on. We are still hoping to hold the Afternoon Prayer Meeting on Wednesday 3 May at 2 30 at 34 Harpswood Lane even though Alpha is in the evening.
We may cancel the Evening Prayer that was due on Wednesday 17 May rather than re-arrange the day as it is difficult to find a spare one. Phone Carol if you need to know 07795 100 441
With Pentecost this month..:
Before Pentecost the disciples found it hard to do easy things; after Pentecost, they found it easy to do hard things. – AJ Gordon
Monday Chats
Monday Chats are decimated through May with all the Bank Holidays and the Coronation and I am truly sorry we shall not be meeting because we all enjoy the fun of Monday afternoons.
As I write, this week Ray turned up to help Geoff and brought along his keyboard; so along with the bingo and the scrabble we had a good old sing song and an awful lot of fun.
Bank Holidays are 1st May, 8th May and 29th May so we do not meet on those days. However, do look out for details of the Coronation Tea Party on the 7th!
Lent Lunches 2023
Carol Eastell writes:- Lent Lunches were a great success this year thanks to the wonderful help from quite a lot of you week by week, so please give yourselves a pat on the back and if that is difficult let me know and I will do it for you! We made a nice lot of money for our church missions and charities – £1278.13.
Saltwood Cinema Club
Will be showing:
‘The Bank of Dave’
on Wednesday 17th May
at 2pm in the Lads’ Club
Based on the true-life experiences of Dave Fishwick; ‘Bank of Dave’ tells the story of how a working-class Burnley man and self-made millionaire fought to set up a community bank so that he could help the local businesses of Burnley not only survive, but thrive. In his bid to help his beloved community of Burnley he has to take on the elitist financial institutions of London and fight to receive the first new banking license to be issued in over 100 years. Joel Fry plays young London lawyer Hugh who is hired by Dave to fight his case against the British banking system. The character of Dave is played by Olivier winner and BAFTA nominee Rory Kinnear and the film also stars Hugh Bonneville.
Cost £5 per person to include tea and cake
All proceeds to the Lads’ Club Funds
Christian Aid Coffee Morning
Please join us for coffee on 20th May
to make your Christian Aid Donation
We have booked the Lads’ Club for Saturday 20 May 10 30 – Midday. This will take the form of a simple coffee morning and a bucket for donations for Christian Aid. As last year this is instead of going round the houses dropping envelopes off etc. So please come and give your usual generous support. It would be great if two or three of you would offer to deal with the dirty cups, and also put tables away and get the vacuum cleaner out. I would appreciate it very much!
Carol Eastell
Sparkling Coronation Afternoon Tea
Saltwood will be celebrating the
Coronation of
King Charles III & Queen Camilla
with a
Sparkling Coronation
Afternoon Tea
On Sunday 7th May
Festive fayre will include: coronation chicken, egg and cress, and salmon and cream cheese sandwiches; sausage rolls and veggie rolls; and cheese palmiers; followed by traditional cakes, lemon drizzle, scones with cream and jam etc. All washed down with a glass of Prosecco!
Starting at 3pm, we have not set a finishing time, it will end when the last person leaves!! No charge but donations box will be out.
Booking is essential –Please ring Sue 268648 or Penny 264454.
Open Gardens and Flower Festival
St Peter & St Paul Saltwood
OPEN GARDENS &
FLOWER FESTIVAL
Rectory Lane Saltwood
25th June
2.00pm to 6.00pm
(probable timing to be confirmed)
A special opening of the gardens of
Saltwood House & Benover
Floral Displays in Saltwood Church
PLUS Crafts & Cream Teas
In Aid of the Restoration Fund
for the Church Organ
Saltwood Village Society
THURSDAY 18th MAY 7.30PM
THE LADS’ CLUB, RECTORY LANE
“BEHIND THE SCENES OF
TELEVISION’S GOLDEN YEARS”
If you enjoyed Morecombe and Wise, The Two Ronnies, Dad’s Army etc, come along and enjoy a talk with original video clips
from
WILF LOWER,
Formerly with the BBC, who has an inside track on what went on …
BRIEF AGM/VILLAGE NEWS/RAFFLE/FREE REFRESHMENTS
MEMBERS £3, NON-MEMBERS £5. ALL WELCOME
FREE PARKING AT THE CHURCH
Meet your PCC Members
Following the Annual meeting, the PCC of Saltwood is now comprised of the following:
Rev Barry Knott – Chair
Derek Harris – Secretary
Laurie Maxfield – Treasurer & Deanery Synod representative
John Campbell – Church Warden
Carol Eastell – Church Warden
Mary Hunter – Deanery Synod representative
Christine Dodd
Tess Duran
Beth Lewsey (Parish Disclosure Officer)
Penny Marsh (Parish Safeguarding Officer)
David Weller
Gillian Weller
For the Attention of all DIY Enthusiasts
Following the completion of the Lads’ Club Development Project we have some lengths of wood and brand-new kitchen work surfaces left over and we would be happy to give them to anyone who feels they could use these items.
If you are interested please contact Penny Marsh on 01303 264454 or Sue Beggs on 01303 268640.
More News from the Garden Gang
A band of twelve volunteers-the latest count- continue to work in the churchyard every Wednesday morning. This includes, mowing, strimming, cutting hedges, clearing leaves, digging holes for ashes interments, repairing graves and gravestones plus general tidying. There are always jobs to do, despite the weather, every week throughout the year. The gang, including 4 ladies, are all proud to see the result of their efforts and are duly rewarded with a coffee / tea break promptly at 10.30, otherwise strike action might be needed, consuming many biscuits and Kay Hygate’s delicious cakes. Thank you, Kay!
Friends who have worked for the gang in the past often drop in to join us, plus the Rector and Ruth. when they are around. Sadly Stuart Bilsland, a past member, who prepared the coffee etc every week for the gang, has recently died.
Two people in the present group deserve a special mention:-
Des Stockbridge maintains the mowers and other machines with his expertise, never complaining when one of us mistreats a mower and it needs repairing. He is probably the only one of us who knows what he is doing, and how to do it, so we always follow his advice. Des must save the Church a tremendous amount of expense. What a wonderful asset he is. Thank you, Des.
Rita also needs a special mention as she lovingly looks after the grass and the flower beds everyone sees as they walk from the gate to the main door. She is frequently seen working overtime tending the flower beds.
Des and Rita frequently put in extra time on other days if there is an urgent job to be done or the weather stops the mowing on a Wednesday.
Barrie Marshall is much missed and we hope he is able to return soon.
New members are always welcome of course, and although we have a good workable group, we do need more people to use the mowers as several present members are past the four score years. Where are the young 70-year-olds who are just retired? We would need more newer petrol mowers as many we have are past their ‘mow’ by date are wearing out therefore needing more repairs.
The gang is an excellent example of a community venture involving Saltwood people with some who don’t attend church and do not consider themselves Christians. The Lord God knows what is needed in his Holy Garden. I am sure he approves of what the group achieve.
Geoff Cooke
The Quiz Results Are Out!
The Quiz night on 15 April: This was an enjoyable evening and was well attended. We made a profit of £810: £100 went to Guide Dogs for the Blind and £710 went to the Organ Fund.
Thank you so much to all our helpers including those in the kitchen: Diana and members of her family, Beth who stepped in at the last minute, as well as my dear friend, Myra. She came to help, then her table came up trumps and were the winners! Thanks also to Derek who helped deal with the tables etc. And we mustn’t forget David who made £200 on the raffle. Thank you everybody who supported our efforts.
Carol Eastell & Geoff Cooke
St Stephen’s Church, Lympne
Services and Events in May
| 7th | Parish Communion to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla | 11.00 |
| 14th | Hooba Family Service, led by Sunday Club Baptism | 11.00 13.00 |
| 20th | Coffee Morning | 10.30 |
| 21st | Morning Worship | 11.00 |
| 27th | Wedding: Amy & Ben | 14.00 |
| 28th | Parish Communion | 11.00 |
SUNDAY CLUB
Meets at The Lads’ Club, Rectory Lane, Saltwood, CT21 4QA,
10-11am during term time.
We have a wonderful time with all sorts of art & crafts and cooking, games and lots of drama. Fun groups for children aged 3-10 years.
The Monday Club for young people aged 11 – 16 years is also held from 5.30 – 7.00 pm at its usual venue.
New faces to both groups are always very welcome.
For more information ring: Christine Clover on 0300 0301662,
text: 07379 877846 or email: christineclover@lympneandsaltwoodchurches.uk.
CHURCH SUMMER OPENING
The church is now open during the day throughout the Summer.
CHAIRS TO REPLACE THE BENCHES (PEWS)
We are launching a fundraising campaign to replace the tired old benches (not called pews as they are not fixed to the floor) with chairs, to enable better use of the space available in the church. Further information will follow.
LYMPNE FELLOWSHIP GROUP
We spent an interesting afternoon in May sharing Hints and Tips about such things as:
- Bicarbonate of soda – make a paste with water and use for spot-cleaning of carpets
- Add bicarb to a reduced amount of liquid detergent in the washing machine
- White vinegar – many cleaning uses, including around taps, in kettles, a cupful in the dishwasher to clean it, and, of course, for sparkling windows
- Washing soda crystals (not bicarb), in solution, for cleaning mossy steps and for drains
- Cooking gadgets, to avoid using an almost-empty oven: slow cookers and air-fryers, plus a special recommendation for soup-makers.
- Air-fryers for those who have acquired one – many recommendations, but be prepared for some trial and error at first. Especially good for baked potatoes, frozen chips, meat, frozen croissants and part-baked rolls.
- www.beverleyjarvis.co.uk has some practical guidance and recipes. Many other websites are available, of course.
- Food For Free by Richard Mabey – a useful book for those who like to forage. Rosemary told us about wild garlic leaves being used with spinach; also Alexanders, the tall, green-flowered plant which pops up just about everywhere locally, has a stem which can be cooked like asparagus.
Lympne Fellowship normally meets at 1.15pm in the Harry Margary Hall on the 2nd Thursday of the month, with a programme of interesting and informative talks and activities. For further information about our group, please contact Jill Page on 01303 263756.
Lympne Coffee Morning
ST STEPHEN’s CHURCH
SATURDAY 20 MAY 2023
10.30am – 12.30pm
- Come and join us for coffee and cake
- Take a break while out for that walk (well-behaved dogs welcome)
- Catch up with old friends and new
- Browse through our books
(donations of novels always appreciated)
Proceeds to maintenance of the church plus a donation to this month’s nominated charity:-
A21 (Fighting Human Trafficking)
Lympne Celebrates the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Lympne Village Hall
Saturday 6 May – 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Coronation and Procession
Watch the Coronation with family, friends and neighbours. Tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes will be available to purchase, all profits will be used for local community projects.
Sunday 7 May – 2.00pm Children’s Tea Party, Adult Cream Teas and
Coronation Bake-off
(All entries for the competition and other donated cakes should be delivered between 12.30 and 2.00pm)
Children’s party bags containing sandwich, cake, crisps and drinks available for £5 each, maximum £10 per family. Adult cream teas £5 each – 2 scones, jam, clotted cream, tea or coffee. Please feel free to bring your own food and drink for a picnic on the playing field.
3.00pm – 5.00pm Circus and Magic Show in the large marquee
SHAL: Studying History and Archaeology in Lympne
Following the brief April AGM covering its reports, SHAL Committee member, Mike Pearson, gave a talk on the 1998/9 excavation by Oxford Archaeology of Westhawk Farm, Ashford, listed as a small town because of its size (50 acres) and its importance to the Romans in Kent in supplying smelted iron to the Weald for armoury for its troops. The excavation revealed a main road running through the site to outside its northern boundary where roads led to Canterbury and the Weald, with nearby roads to Maidstone and Lympne. The iron ore it received was smelted in furnaces on the site and then initial smithing converted it into trade iron (ingots). The main road was flanked by properties at right angles on both sides, with the SE side predominantly for agriculture and the SW side for domestic activity and crop processing. Towards the N end was a religious/ritual centre with a shrine and just below it was a village green for outdoor gatherings. The cemetery was outside the NW site boundary which had a number of cremation urns one of which contained an armlet and a necklace both made of black jet beads.. Westhawk’s existence began in the second century (C2) and lasted until the end of C3, as the demand for iron declined as the Roman forces began to be overrun abroad, particularly in Gaul. Nevertheless the layout and organisation of the site has been described as better than any other similar site in Roman Britain.
Our next event on Tuesday 18 May is a daytime visit to both the Bronze Age boat and the Painted House in Dover.
Castle Green WI
President Julie Andrews welcomed forty-three members and two guests to the April meeting. Apologies were accepted, coffee hostesses Mandy Elson and Frances Banks were thanked, and Anne Brame was thanked for the flowers. The record of the last meeting was approved and signed.
Attention was drawn to the events listed in the East Kent News and the NFWI raffle.
Treasurer Daphne Gazely presented the budget for the coming year which had been sent out to members in advance. There were no questions, and the budget was proposed, seconded, and approved.
Sub-group news. The book group will meet at Hythe library on 16th May at 3pm. This month’s book is balancing Act by Joanna Trollope. The knit and natter group will meet at Jackie Vickerman’s house on 18th May at 2pm. On April 20th seventeen members of the Lunch Club held a successful meeting at Sotirios restaurant in Folkestone.Information about the sub-groups can be found on the website.
Tricia Heath who was our delegate at the EKF Annual Council Meeting held at the Leas Cliff Hall gave an interesting account of the meeting at which Kay Hygate was presented with our 50th birthday certificate. Castle Green WI was founded in October 1973.
Future Events. There will be a Ploughman’s Lunch immediately after the June meeting.
On Thursday July 27th there will be an outing to Walmer Castle. Information is available on our website. https://cvastlegreenwi.org.uk/our-events
After coffee, cake, and a lot of chatting with friends Gill Roffey told us about her and her late husband John’s family history and connections within Hythe and the local area. As Gill said every family has mysteries and secrets. Mandy Elson, Gill Chapman, Margaret Alcock, and Jean Green also told members about their family connections to the area. Julie Andrews gave the vote of thanks for these interesting insights.
The next meeting is on Friday May 12th when we will enjoy our Birthday Breakfast (like royalty, Castle Green has two birthdays!) and discuss and vote on the resolution for this year’s NFWI Annual Meeting.
Prospective new members are welcome to come to one of our monthly meetings as a guest and are advised to look at our website. https://castlegreenwi.org.uk
Margaret Alcock
Community News: Drop-Off Parking Reinstated at Sandling Station!
Thanks to all who wrote letters etc, three twenty-minute drop-off parking spaces have been re-instated at Sandling. They are situated where there were disabled places, which have now been moved to the main car park nearest to the access ramp.
It is now ‘safe’ to park whilst buying tickets, collecting passengers etc, so please do use our local station: we wouldn’t want to lose it.
Also worth knowing: the ‘priority’ post-box at Sandling has a late afternoon collection, and of course you can now park conveniently close to it!
Finishing with a Smile …
… How many women can one man marry? A little boy who attended his first wedding worked that one out pretty quick: the answer is 16. It is easy, if you think about it. Four better, four worse, four richer, four poorer. Comes to 16!